Let’s talk about a place so ridiculously stunning it feels like the universe decided to show off. We’re diving headfirst into the heart of the Swiss Alps with our ultimate basecamp: Interlaken. Get ready for a visual feast that’ll make your Instagram feed weep tears of joy. This is your ultimate visual guide to the unreal beauty of Interlaken & Switzerland’s most scenic spots.
The Unreal Beauty of Interlaken & Switzerland’s Most Scenic Spots
You’ve seen the pictures, right? Jagged peaks dusted with snow, valleys greener than a leprechaun’s tracksuit, and water so turquoise it looks Photoshopped (spoiler: it’s NOT!). Switzerland is pure, unadulterated magic, and guess what? Interlaken is your golden ticket, the absolute epicentre to unlocking its most jaw-dropping treasures.
Forget frantic hotel hopping. Park your bags in Interlaken, the adventure capital nestled dramatically between two shimmering jewels – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – and get ready to explore. Think of Interlaken as your super-convenient, stunningly beautiful launchpad to Swiss paradise.
So, what wonders await just a hop, skip, and a scenic train ride from our Interlaken hub? Let’s follow the breadcrumbs (or perhaps, the fondue trail?) inspired by some truly epic captures…
«There is no more beautiful scenery or climate for summer travel than Switzerland presents». — Ulysses S. Grant
Lauterbrunnen & Grindelwald: home of Lord of the Rings & Harry Potter
J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of Rivendell in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is strongly believed to have been inspired by the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, which he visited during a hiking trip in 1911. The valley’s dramatic landscape—with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and majestic mountain peaks like the Jungfrau—bears a striking resemblance to Tolkien’s illustrations and descriptions of Rivendell. In his 1937 watercolor painting of Rivendell, Tolkien captured the secluded and serene nature of the “Last Homely House,” nestled within a deep valley carved by rivers, much like Lauterbrunnen’s geography. The hidden and magical quality of Lauterbrunnen, combined with its natural beauty, aligns perfectly with Rivendell’s role as a refuge and sanctuary for Middle-earth’s heroes. Tolkien even mentioned the Silberhorn peak in his writings, which inspired the Misty Mountains and reinforced the connection between this Swiss valley and his fictional world
The Swiss village of Grindelwald shares its name with Gellert Grindelwald, the dark wizard in Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, though J.K. Rowling has not explicitly confirmed it as the direct inspiration. The connection is primarily geographical and linguistic: Grindelwald is a real Alpine village in Switzerland, known for its dramatic mountain scenery. The name itself may have influenced Rowling’s choice, blending Germanic roots (common in magical family names) and possibly echoing “Grendel,” the monster from Beowulf, to evoke a mythic, menacing quality
Abedlboden & Lauterbrunnen again due to its 72 Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen Valley, a UNESCO-listed nature reserve in the Swiss Alps, is renowned for its dramatic scenery and 72 waterfalls cascading from towering cliffs. The most iconic, Staubbach Falls, plunges nearly 300 meters, inspiring Goethe’s poetry, while the Trümmelbach Falls thunder underground, carving through rock with glacial meltwater. Just a short journey from Interlaken—20 minutes by train or 18 minutes by bus—the valley offers easy access to these natural wonders alongside quaint villages like Wengen and Mürren. Nearby Adelboden, though less frequented, holds historical charm as a traditional Alpine resort, blending pastoral landscapes with hiking trails. Both destinations showcase Switzerland’s alpine splendor, with Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls and Adelboden’s serene valleys forming a striking contrast within quick reach of Interlaken’s transport hub[1][7].
Surreal Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee, a stunning alpine lake in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, is renowned for its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, including the Blüemlisalp massif. Located near Kandersteg, it’s part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site and is accessible via a scenic gondola ride followed by a short hike. Popular for hiking, boating, and winter sports, the lake offers trails like the Oeschinensee Loop, showcasing waterfalls and glaciers. Day trips from Interlaken take under an hour by car or train, making it an ideal escape into Switzerland’s natural beauty. A reservation system now limits daily visitors to preserve its tranquility.
Grindelwald transforms into a winter wonderland with skiing, sledding, and snow-draped Alpine vistas, offering activities like the First Cliff Walk and Jungfraujoch excursions for non-skiers.. While Grindelwald itself is renowned for hanggliding (and paragliding) at First Mountain, the nearby Niesen—a pyramid-shaped peak near Lake Thun—boasts a spectacular paragliding launch platform at 2,280 meters. Accessed via a historic funicular railway[6], the steep meadow takeoff provides sweeping views of the Bernese Oberland,
Niesen the Swiss Pyramid
The hangliding and paragliding launch platform displayed above is from the top of the Niesen aka the Swiss pyramid so-called due to its unique almost perfect triangular shape. This mountain, only 20 minutes from Interlaken is a fantastic hiking destination and a great view point.
Alternatively you can view this uniquely shaped mountain really well at sunset from the Neuhaus bathing area and swimming spot in Interlaken or enjoy it during a sunset SUP & SIP adventure.
Brienzer Rothorn
The Brienz Rothorn Railway (BRB), opened in 1892, is a historic steam-powered rack railway that climbs from Brienz to the 2,244-meter summit of Brienzer Rothorn. Designed by Alexander Lindner and Roman Abt, it features the Abt double lamella rack system and remains one of Switzerland’s few steam-operated lines, offering a nostalgic journey through alpine meadows and tunnels. The 7.6 km route provides breathtaking panoramas of Lake Brienz, the Bernese Alps, and up to 693 mountain peaks on clear days[4][8]. Despite financial struggles and a 16-year closure (1914–1931), the BRB has endured as a scenic highlight, blending engineering heritage with unparalleled views.
Gelmerbahn, the Swiss Alpine Rollercoaster
The Gelmerbahn, often referred to as the Swiss Alpine Rollercoaster, is a thrilling funicular experience located in the Grimselwelt region of Switzerland. With a staggering 106% gradient, it is Europe’s steepest open-air funicular, offering breathtaking views of the Hasli Valley as it ascends to Lake Gelmer at 1,850 meters above sea level. Originally built in 1926 for industrial purposes, it was opened to the public in 2001 and has since become a popular tourist attraction for its unique, rollercoaster-like ride. The open-air carriages provide an exhilarating experience, allowing passengers to feel the wind and sun while taking in the stunning alpine scenery. The Gelmerbahn operates from June to October, offering a 12-minute journey that is both a technological marvel and an unforgettable adventure
Base yourself in Interlaken to visit Switzerland’s most scenic spots
Interlaken stands out as the ultimate base for exploring Switzerland’s most breathtaking landscapes. Nestled between the serene waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it offers unparalleled access to a myriad of scenic destinations. From the majestic Jungfraujoch to the picturesque valleys of Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, and from the historic Brienzer Rothorn Railway to the thrilling Gelmerbahn, Interlaken’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for day trips. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of Oeschinensee, the adventure of paragliding over the Alps, or the charm of traditional villages like Adelboden, Interlaken provides a seamless blend of comfort and adventure, making it the perfect hub for experiencing the full splendor of Switzerland’s natural beauty.
Amazing things to do in Interlaken
For more amazing things to do in Interlaken have a look at our other deep-dive posts and infos by clicking here.